December deciding factor for upcoming spring turkey season

The application period for spring wild turkey season starts on Jan. 1, meaning there are only a few weeks left to narrow down the unit and season that will provide the best odds. The process of selecting a unit and a season involves plenty of research.Early season usually produces very good odds, but weather can be a risk.

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By Mark Spencley

Cheboygan Daily Tribune - Cheboygan, MI

By Mark Spencley

Posted Dec. 8, 2012 at 12:01 AM

By Mark Spencley

Posted Dec. 8, 2012 at 12:01 AM

Cheboygan, Mich.

By MARK SPENCLEY

mark@cheboygantribune.com

CHEBOYGAN — Turkey season is still a long way off, but the month of December is crucial in determining hunters' spring success.

The application period for spring wild turkey season starts on Jan. 1, meaning there are only a few weeks left to narrow down the unit and season that will provide the best odds.

The process of selecting a unit and a season involves plenty of research.

Early season usually produces very good odds, but weather can be a risk.

This year, the variables will be the same as they are every other year.

There will be three turkey hunting seasons this spring. The first two will last one week each, while the third season runs for nearly a month. With less than a month remaining before applications can be submitted, this is the time for hunters to decide which gives them better odds, more time or better timing.

The early seasons usually provide the plenty of action as turkey breeding peaks.

They also offer the chance to hunt unpressured birds. The only downfall is the small hunting window.

According to Stewart, peak breeding usually occurs sometime during the first two turkey seasons, but it varies from year to year depending on conditions and other factors.

"It can fluctuate a little bit, but it's generally during those last two weeks of April, that's not to say breeding doesn't occur in May. It does, but peak breeding is usually in the last two weeks of April," he said.

Each of the seasons only offers one weekend, which will make things tough for hunters who don't have vacation time to devote to chasing turkeys.

The 2013 spring turkey season will be long winded, running from April 22–May 31, depending on the hunt and unit. This allows for a great variation in activity from the beginning of the season to the end. Hunting strategy often hinges on the specific point in the breeding phase the turkeys are in.

"The current hunting regulations are established to maximize hunting opportunity while maintaining high quality hunting experiences. We are able to expand hunting opportunities based on the success of Michigan's wild turkey restoration program," said Stewart.

Because of the lengthy season, hunters can tailor their hunt by applying for specific dates that are most suitable.

Once hunters have decided on a season, they can file an application at any authorized license agent or at DNR Operation Service Centers throughout Michigan.

Page 2 of 2 - Hunters also can apply online using the E-License system at www.michigan.gov/dnr. Hunters may use MasterCard and VISA when applying or purchasing a license online at the DNR E-License system, available 24 hours a day during the application period.

Area wild turkey hunters will most likely apply for unit J or unit A. Unit J comprises all of Cheboygan, Emmet, Charlevoix, Antrim, and Otsego counties.

Unit A is made up of Presque Isle, Alpena, Montmorency counties and also includes the northern portions of Alcona and Oscoda counties.

Once hunters select their desired unit, they must then select a hunt. Though the DNR is yet to release specific hunt dates, there are usually two lottery hunts in unit J. The first hunt likely will run from April 22-28. The second should take place from April 29–May 5.

For those who would rather not take their chances on the lottery, there is hunt No. 234.

This includes all spring units and can be purchased over the counter any time after Jan. 1 and before the season opens on April 30.